Buying Used?

[Catikin12]

So I've been doing the whole" lurking" bit on here for the past couple of weeks and have finally decided to post!
I'd like to get everyone's opinion about purchasing a used bike. What are some things that I should be looking for when I check the bike out in person, as far as cracks, etc.?
I should probably mention that I have a specific bike that I'm looking into and have done a test ride of the exact bike. So fit shouldn't be an issue.
Thank you in advance!

[Owlie]

What are you looking at?

The biggest issue with buying used is finding your size. (For some reason, almost all the used bikes around here are 58cm or so.) I would also bear in mind that manufacturers change the geometry every so often, so the 2012 version may not fit the same as one from a few years back.

I would first subtly try to ascertain whether or not it's actually the seller's bike. I'd hate to be feeding theft rings, though it may not be as big a thing here in Ohio as it is in other places with larger cycling populations. I'd also ask how the bike was stored, whether it had ever been crashed (esp if there's carbon on the bike), how it has been maintained (regularly cleaned, at the very least), and whether anything's been replaced. If it's a high mileage bike (in the thousands) and the chain is still original, bear in mind that you'll have to replace the chain and cassette sooner rather than later.

[Catikin12]

I'm looking at a Trek Madone. It's a 2012, so no issues with it being an older bike and not fitting quite like what I was able to try or maintenance really.
I've been in pretty good contact with the "owner". She bought it, but ended up deciding that cycling isn't for her. I'm actually just getting started out. But I know myself well enough to know that I'm really going to like cycling I've received several pics from her. I've asked if it's fallen at all and she's said that it's in perfect condition and that she just doesn't like it as much as she thought she would. But I'm not sure if there's a way to make sure it hasn't been damaged at all. It is a carbon frame bike, so that would be a concern in terms of it's state.
I hear you about the bike theft thing... I'm in central Ohio and there always seem to be bike thefts going on. Although this particular bike is not around me. I would be traveling a little to get it... which I don't mind at all!
I was actually highly considering a Specialized Amira, but it was just too much money for me to justify at this point :/

[TigerMom]

You can see if she has a receipt to help determine that it was not stolen.

Also, you can bring your bike to an LBS and pay them to check out the bike condition along with a full tuneup.
____________________________________

2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

[Owlie]

You can see if she has a receipt to help determine that it was not stolen.

I definitely did not steal my bike and I couldn't show you a receipt! Granted, I bought it three years ago and moved 4 times since then. That's lots of opportunity for it to go missing. I could probably call the shop up and ask him to pull up the record and either fax or snail-mail a copy, though.

[Irulan]

You can see if she has a receipt to help determine that it was not stolen.

Wow, that's pretty harsh don't you think?

If someone's really concerned about buying something stolen, they can submit the serial # to the cops to see if it comes up anywhere, or check CL for "stolen" listings.

[TigerMom]

Wow, that's pretty harsh don't you think?

If someone's really concerned about buying something stolen, they can submit the serial # to the cops to see if it comes up anywhere, or check CL for "stolen" listings.

I'm not trying to be harsh/mean. I just trying to be practical and not buy something stolen. The easiest ways is to ask for a receipt. Or as Owlie suggested, to call the original bike shop for records if the receipt was lost. I'm just trying hard not to accidentally buy a stolen item.
____________________________________

2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

[Catrin]

I'm not trying to be harsh/mean. I just trying to be practical and not buy something stolen. The easiest ways is to ask for a receipt. Or as Owlie suggested, to call the original bike shop for records if the receipt was lost. I'm just trying hard not to accidentally buy a stolen item.

This assumes the person bought the bike from a bike shop and it wasn't a gift or bought from a friend or eBay. Really, the best way is to submit the serial number to the PD and see if they have records on it. Also, not all bike shops are "modern" enough to have easily accessible records. Just because a receipt doesn't exist doesn't mean it is stolen.

Another red flag you can check for is if the person actually knows anything about that bike in particular. Granted, there are bike thieves who are experts, but often the theft is opportunistic in nature and the person doesn't really know the differences between bikes.

[Catikin12]

I appreciate all of the input about making sure it's not a stolen bike! I would hate to be taking part in someone else's loss
I'm not too concerned about this particular bike being stolen. She has shoes, some jerseys and shorts, and a pic of her manual in the bag. So given all of that, I think it's pretty safe to say this particular bike isn't stolen.
I am always cautious about stuff like that. My husband even sometimes makes fun of me for my level of "paranoia"!

[Amira]

Having been the victim of a bike theft last year, I can appreciate the advice to see a receipt or to check with the police to make sure it's not stolen (and, while I couldn't find my receipt for my 10-year old bike that was stolen, my LBS was able to quickly get me a copy of my receipt, with serial number, for the police report). And, as someone who has bought and sold camera equipment online, I am also of the opinion that asking a lot of questions to determine if the seller is the original owner of the item and how it's been stored/handled/used is a key. While I've bought expensive camera equipment online, I will drop out of an ebay listing without hesitation if the seller doesn't have the time to respond fully to specific questions (and respond with enough info that satisfies me that he/she knows enough about what they are selling to be the real owner and not some middleman seller). What I'd be less confident of is my ability to ensure the frame/forks/components on a high end bike don't have any damage or unusual wear on them. It sounds like you may have lucked into a low mileage user who just changed her mind after purchase (or after a spouse/boyfriend/significant other bought it for her, thinking she would use it), but can you have your LBS check it out/tune it up before you buy to give you the peace of mind it's not damaged?

And, if it is gone before you buy, I saw your comment you were also considering a Specialized Amira. As a happy Amira owner, I'd say you couldn't go wrong there either (and the '12 one in my LBS is on sale now).

[Catikin12]

Amira... the second I saw your screen name at the start of this reply, my heart skipped a beat! Lol!
I actually just posted a new thread thanks to the feeling I got when I saw your screen name!
Aside from that, I am SOOO sorry you had your bike stolen. I can't stand dishonest people. I always try to be as honest as I can be, and it really upsets me when people just don't care about how their actions affect others. Aside from that little rant, it sounds like you didn't recover your bike- sorry!
I completely hear you about obtaining specifics. I always try and ask as many questions as I can. My husband gets annoyed sometimes with how thorough I am, but I always prefer the age-old motto "Better safe than sorry". In terms of buying used, I always try to figure out if they're the actual owner and a good sense of condition.
So I GREATLY appreciate everyone's concern about purchasing a stolen bike. It reminds me that there are other honest people out there as well! So far, I am really loving this place (Team Estrogen, that is!)!!!

[Amira]

Amira... the second I saw your screen name at the start of this reply, my heart skipped a beat! Lol!
I actually just posted a new thread thanks to the feeling I got when I saw your screen name!
Aside from that, I am SOOO sorry you had your bike stolen. I can't stand dishonest people. I always try to be as honest as I can be, and it really upsets me when people just don't care about how their actions affect others. Aside from that little rant, it sounds like you didn't recover your bike- sorry!
I completely hear you about obtaining specifics. I always try and ask as many questions as I can. My husband gets annoyed sometimes with how thorough I am, but I always prefer the age-old motto "Better safe than sorry". In terms of buying used, I always try to figure out if they're the actual owner and a good sense of condition.
So I GREATLY appreciate everyone's concern about purchasing a stolen bike. It reminds me that there are other honest people out there as well! So far, I am really loving this place (Team Estrogen, that is!)!!!

Yeah, so far I am totally digging this forum as well. I expect to spend a lot of time here. Why, oh why, do I have to work....I could spend my days riding and hanging out on my cycling/fitness/photography forums if for that pesky work thing.

I did not recover my bike. I gave the police the serial number and the make/model/color. A few weeks after the break in, they called me, very excited, because they had found a LeMond in a pawn shop. It was a different model and color and serial number, but they were hoping I was just confused on those details. DOH.

I don't expect to see it, but it was a very distinctive emerald green and you sure don't see many LeMonds on the road here, so I assure you I keep my eyes peeled every time I spin around my typical loop. If I ever get it back, it will go on my trainer.

[Catikin12]

I think I've been neglecting my kids since I found this forum- lol!
The insight on here is invaluable! My husband was making fun of me for how much I've been consuming here... until he started asking me questions!!! My, how the tables have turned
I just finished reading a couple of threads about clipless... a whole new feat
I was fortunate enough that the bike came with clipless pedals (although I'm not sure if they will be the best for me, but they were included with my purchase, so I should probably as least try them, right?), shoes that I *believe* will fit (and are also pretty sweet looking!), and a couple of other small accessories. But I've now been scouring craigslist for a trainer at a reasonable price since I just dropped a pretty big chunk of change on my new bestie in hopes that it will help me overcome my paranoia about clipless pedals!
But yeah... it's always so nice to read about everyone else's experiences and know that you aren't alone
I love the fact that the police thought you didn't remember your own bike! I mean, if you took the time to take the proper course of action in hopes of recovering it someday, one would think you remember what it looks like!
If I ever see anything similar, I know who to check with! Although I think Ohio would be a little far for it to have traveled...
I just realized something! Do they have a forum section on here for stolen bikes? Like if someone gets their bike stolen, they can start a thread with the info about their bike and post pics and whatnot and then everyone can kind of keep their eyes open for it. I'm going to look into that!

[Charlieggo]

It's funny that you all are talking about stolen bikes. Last week I saw a Co-Motion bike on Craigslist. I was very suspicious because of the great price and very good condition of the bike. First I checked the stolen bike registry, check ok. Then I went to Co-Motion website to see if they had an owner registration link but they didn't; however, I learned that the last two numbers of their serial number = year of manufacture. I then arranged to see the bike with a friend. My plan was to copy down the serial # and call Co-Motion to check on ownership while my friend called the police station. The seller was a super nice guy who said he was moving, he had the manual for the bike and a bunch of accessories. I looked at the serial # and saw the year matched the manual he had. Things were definitely looking good, but I still felt like I should check to make sure. We started making our phone calls and the seller definitely got offended. He said, "I have the receipts if you want to see them. I did not steal the bike." He brought me the receipts from a LBS with his name on them. I gave him the cash and got a new bike. I may have offended him a little, but I am not about to ride around on someone's stolen bicycle. See, sometimes Craigslist is a good thing. New to me Co-Motion Nor'Wester Tour! Have fun on your new Trek!

[TigerMom]

Congrats on your new non-stolen bike!
___________________________________________________________________
2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle
2010 Santa Cruz Juliana with R kit and Crampon pedals
2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle (sold)